Amino acids are the organic compounds containing an amino group and an acidic group on _________carbon.

Options

A. beta
B. alpha
C. gamma
D. None of these

Answer

To solve the question regarding the carbon to which the amino group and the acidic group are attached in amino acids, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of Amino Acids**:
- Amino acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH).
- These groups are attached to a central carbon atom.

2. **Identifying the Central Carbon**:
- The carbon atom that is central to the structure of an amino acid is known as the alpha carbon (α-carbon).
- This carbon is bonded to four different groups: an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group (which differs among different amino acids).

3. **Conclusion**:
- The question asks for the specific carbon to which both the amino group and the acidic group are attached.
- This carbon is the alpha carbon.

### Final Answer:
The answer is **B) alpha**.

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